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  • What is Molybdenum?
  • Molybdenum Symbol, Atomic Number, and Periodic Table Details
  • Where is Molybdenum Found?
  • Molybdenum Uses in Industry and Everyday Life
    • 1. Steel and Metal Alloys
    • 2. Aerospace and Defense
    • 3. Energy Sector
    • 4. Electronics and Technology
    • 5. Catalysts in Chemical Industry
    • 6. Medical Applications
  • Molybdenum in Nutrition and Supplements
    • Benefits of Molybdenum in the Body:
    • Molybdenum Supplements:
  • Molybdenum Metal and Molybdenum Powder
    • Molybdenum Metal:
    • Molybdenum Powder:
  • Unique Properties of Molybdenum
    • Conclusion
  • Molybdenum FAQs
chemistry /
What is Molybdenum?
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What is Molybdenum?

By Brijesh Sharma

|

Updated on 24 Apr 2025, 13:03 IST

Molybdenum: Molybdenum (pronounced muh-lib-duh-nuhm) is a metallic element that is used in many things around us, even though most people have never heard of it. It is a strong, silver-colored metal that does not melt easily and does not rust quickly. Molybdenum is known for its high melting point, corrosion resistance, and strength, which makes it very useful in factories, power plants, electronic devices, and even in our bodies.

This metal has the symbol Mo on the periodic table and has the atomic number 42. You can find molybdenum in steel, aircraft engines, chemical plants, and medical machines. It is also found in small amounts in food like beans, grains, and leafy vegetables, where it helps our body function properly.

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Because of its wide use in industry, health, and technology, molybdenum is considered an essential element for modern life. In this article, you will learn what molybdenum is, where it comes from, its chemical formula, its electron configuration, and how it is used in supplements, metals, and powders. We’ll also look at why molybdenum is so important in areas like medicine, agriculture, energy, and electronics.

What is Molybdenum?

Molybdenum is a transition metal found in the Earth's crust. It is not as famous as iron or gold, but it plays a critical role in many industries. With a natural silvery-gray appearance, molybdenum is known for its strength, high melting point, and resistance to heat and corrosion.

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It is used in everything from medical imaging machines to rocket engines, and even in your body’s enzymes that help with digestion and detoxification.

Molybdenum Symbol, Atomic Number, and Periodic Table Details

Molybdenum is a chemical element with the symbol Mo and atomic number 42. It is part of Group 6 in the periodic table and is classified as a transition metal.

What is Molybdenum?

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PropertyValue
Molybdenum SymbolMo
Molybdenum Atomic Number42
Atomic Mass~95.95 u
Electron Configuration[Kr] 4d⁵ 5s¹
Position in Periodic TableGroup 6, Period 5, d-block
Chemical FormulaMo (as a pure element)
Molybdenum Pronunciationmuh-lib-duh-nuhm

Where is Molybdenum Found?

Molybdenum is not found free in nature. Instead, it is extracted from the mineral molybdenite (MoS₂). Countries like China, the United States, Chile, and Peru are major producers of molybdenum.

Aside from mineral sources, small amounts of molybdenum are present in soil, plants, and food. Foods that contain molybdenum include:

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  • Lentils
  • Beans
  • Whole grains
  • Leafy vegetables
  • Nuts and seeds

These food sources contribute to the trace amounts of molybdenum your body needs to stay healthy.

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Molybdenum Uses in Industry and Everyday Life

Molybdenum’s special properties make it a versatile material in various industries.

1. Steel and Metal Alloys

  • Improves strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance
  • Used in making stainless steel, high-speed steel, and superalloys
  • Common in cutting tools, kitchenware, and medical instruments

2. Aerospace and Defense

  • Used in aircraft engines, spacecraft parts, and missile components
  • Withstands extreme heat and stress

3. Energy Sector

  • Applied in nuclear reactors and power generation systems
  • Durable under radiation and high temperature

4. Electronics and Technology

  • Found in X-ray tubes, thin film transistors, and semiconductors
  • Conducts electricity and heat efficiently

5. Catalysts in Chemical Industry

  • Used in hydrodesulfurization to remove sulfur from fuels
  • Important in ammonia production for fertilizers

6. Medical Applications

  • Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) is used in medical imaging to detect illnesses
  • Used in radiopharmaceuticals and diagnostic machines

Do Check - Propanol

Molybdenum in Nutrition and Supplements

Though needed in small amounts, molybdenum is an essential trace element in the human diet. It acts as a cofactor for enzymes like xanthine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase, which help the body break down harmful substances.

Benefits of Molybdenum in the Body:

  • Supports enzyme activity
  • Assists in metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids
  • Helps in detoxification processes in the liver

Molybdenum Supplements:

  • Usually available as molybdenum glycinate or sodium molybdate
  • Recommended only if there’s a deficiency (rare but possible)
  • Excess intake can lead to toxicity, causing symptoms like gout or joint pain

Do Check - Micelles

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Molybdenum Metal and Molybdenum Powder

Molybdenum Metal:

  • Used in high-temperature furnaces
  • Makes electrodes, filaments, and shielding components
  • Maintains shape and integrity even at extreme heat

Molybdenum Powder:

  • Finely ground version for plasma spray coatings, lubricants, and additive manufacturing
  • Important in making metal-matrix composites and 3D printing materials

Unique Properties of Molybdenum

PropertyDescription
Melting Point2,623°C – extremely heat-resistant
Density10.28 g/cm³ – gives strength and durability
HardnessHigh – ideal for wear-resistant tools
Corrosion ResistanceWithstands acids, chemicals, and moisture
ConductivityGood electrical and thermal conductor

These features make it ideal for harsh environments, such as chemical plants, space travel, and deep-ocean drilling.

Conclusion

Molybdenum may not be the flashiest element, but it is one of the most important metals in the world today. It strengthens steel, drives technological innovation, powers space exploration, and supports human health. From chemical factories to your kitchen appliances, molybdenum is everywhere—even if we don’t see it.

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Molybdenum FAQs

What is molybdenum and where is it found?

Molybdenum is a chemical element (symbol Mo, atomic number 42) found in the Earth's crust, mainly in the mineral molybdenite. It’s also present in foods like legumes and grains.

What is molybdenum used for?

Molybdenum is used to make steel stronger, in aerospace parts, electrical equipment, medical imaging (Mo-99), and as a catalyst in chemical processes.

What is molybdenum’s symbol and atomic number?

The symbol for molybdenum is Mo, and its atomic number is 42. It is located in Group 6 of the periodic table.

Is molybdenum important for the human body?

Yes. Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral that helps enzymes break down harmful substances in the body. It supports metabolism and detoxification.

What foods are high in molybdenum?

Molybdenum-rich foods include lentils, beans, peas, oats, whole grains, leafy greens, and nuts. These supply the small amounts needed for health.

What is molybdenum powder used for?

Molybdenum powder is used in coating surfaces, making special alloys, and 3D printing. It’s popular for applications needing heat resistance and strength.

What is molybdenum’s electron configuration?

The electron configuration of molybdenum is [Kr] 4d⁵ 5s¹. This structure explains its unique chemical and physical properties.

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